Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
EFFORTS to ensure a steady supply of tuberculosis (TB) medicines in clinics across Zimbabwe are being hailed as a crucial step towards improving treatment adherence and advancing the country’s goal of eradicating TB by 2030.§
The Zimbabwe National Network of TB Survivors (ZNNTS) has commended these initiatives, emphasising their importance in the ongoing fight against the disease.
In an interview, Mr Stanley Sibanda, Chairperson of ZNNTS, highlighted the significance of guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply of TB medication, particularly in rural and underserved areas where healthcare access remains a challenge.
“Last year, we faced shortages of TB medicines in public health facilities. However, thanks to government interventions, we have had adequate stocks of anti-TB medicines since June.
“We commend the Government for prioritising the availability of these drugs. This effort will significantly reduce the risks of treatment interruptions, which can jeopardise patients’ recovery,” he said.
In June last year, many public health facilities experienced an acute shortage of TB treatment drugs, disrupting control efforts.
While TB treatment and care are provided free of charge in Zimbabwe, interruptions can lead to multi-drug-resistant TB and increased mortality rates.
Zimbabwe uses medications such as Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide, which are combined during the initiation phase of treatment, with Rifampicin and Isoniazid typically used in the continuation phase.
“As the Zimbabwe National Network of TB Survivors, we work closely with individuals diagnosed with TB, encouraging them to adhere to their treatment plans.
“When medicines are readily available, our efforts become more effective, as we cannot discuss adherence without a consistent supply of anti-TB drugs,” said Mr Sibanda.
Despite notable progress in combating TB, Zimbabwe remains one of the 30 countries with the highest burdens of TB, HIV, and drug-resistant TB globally.
According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 10 million people fall ill with TB worldwide each year, resulting in 1,5 million deaths, even though the disease is preventable and curable.
Zimbabwe has one of the highest TB incidences globally, with an estimated rate of 204 per 100 000 population in 2022.
